Equipped with Spearfish torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles and what is claimed to be the world’s most advanced sonar system, HMS Astute and her sister boats - Ambush, Artful and Audacious - will be the most powerful nuclear attack submarines built for the Royal Navy.

In November 2009 the vessel left prime contractor BAE Systems’ shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness for its base at HMNB Clyde at Faslane.

In March this year BAE Systems said HMS Astute had successfully completed its first phase of sea trials and that sea trials were ongoing.

Various reports today suggest she was undergoing sea trials when the grounding occurred.

Engineers hope that the Astute project will provide valuable lessons for the sub that will carry the UK’s Trident deterrent. Click here to read more (subscription required).

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Geoff Chaplin | 27 Oct 2010 5:54 pm

Given that 'allegedly' this submarine has the latest and most modern sonar equipment, how the hell did this Submarine 'fail' and manage to run aground. This is not the first time that a 'failure in navigation' has put a Royal Navy ship at hazard. Who else remembers HMS Nottingham which struck a rock and was seriously damaged off the east coast of Australia few years ago. At the time I suggested that the Royal navy utilise the sterling advice given to it by the Radio programme 'The Navy Lark' when the order was given by Lieutenant Leslie Phillips to: "Left hand down a bit". Perhaps the Royal Navy ought to listen to these programmes more frequently. I guess the "Skye Boat Song" is now a very popular song in certain naval quarters.